TOP STORIES
2024-25 SEND overspend rises to £45.8m as government “safety valve” deal target breach doubles to £14.7m in two months
County council breaches Local Government Act by failing to publish budget documents in time for scrutiny and cabinet meetings and councillors complain about missing financial information and being “kept in the dark” about SEND delivery. Read more.
Exeter Business Improvement District wins ballot for third five-year term
Just under half of 670 businesses eligible to vote took part, 90% voting in favour of renewal. Read more.
St Petrock’s appeals for funds to support its work with rough sleepers
Exeter homelessness charity’s Christmas 2024 fundraising campaign features a short film depicting the fictional tale of a rough sleeper in the city’s streets. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR
Poltimore Christmas markets // Poltimore House and Grounds
Weekend festive markets with stalls selling local arts and crafts. More details.
St Leonard’s Christmas Fair 2024 // Magdalen Road
Community-run market returns for thirteenth year with festive food, music and gifts. More details.
Handel’s Messiah // Exeter Cathedral
A seasonal choral performance by Exeter Cathedral Choir with early music specialists Devon Baroque. More details.
IN CASE YOU MISSED DIGEST #66
Exeter College amends Flowerpot Fields plans to replace two of six classrooms with changing rooms
Revisions submitted during building construction also show two rooms described as “changing rooms” and “overflow sports training and education space”, both with unobscured full-height classroom windows and no shower facilities. Read more.
Controversial Exeter bus lane changes approved after three and a half hour County Hall debate
Devon County Council claims £2.4 million “intelligent corridor” upgrades along Heavitree Road and Pinhoe Road routes could save up to “approximately four minutes” journey time and bring “economic benefit of around £2,150,000” each year. Read more.
New countywide transport strategy falls short on fundamental mobility challenges
Draft 2025-40 Devon & Torbay Local Transport Plan lacks serious measures to address congestion and enable shift to public transport as local government reorganisation threatens derailment. Read more.
